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It’s been 4 amazing years, a couple of hundred shows – and a staggering array of new releases.But now, JR has been revoked and expeditiously retired. One of the many to be ignominiously sacrificed at the economic altar of efficiency dividends. We’d hoped it might be otherwise but the final decision was beyond our control.

In this brave new world of digital technologies, finding new music may never have been easier - but finding a trusted filter to help make sense of it all is quite different matter.It’s our conviction that Just Released was a reliable filter. A conviction supported by those listeners who responded with correspondence, phone calls or by word of mouth.Neil Young declared, “It’s better to burn out than it is to rust”. Sadly, beyond today, we’re denied the opportunity to test that theory further.

JR is gone and your hosts along with it, riding into the sunset down the dusty Comeback Trail.

In bidding our personal “fare-thee-well” we’d like to thank music makers of all persuasions and all levels of the music industry. But mostly, we’re thanking you, the listener, both at home in Australia and from other parts of the world. Your ongoing support and appreciation of ‘Just Released’ during the past 4 years has helped us make it happen.

When Macy Gray released her 1999 debut album, ‘On How Life Is’, she went from obscurity to international fame almost overnight. Macy’s latest long player, ‘The Way’ is her first collection of original songs in 4 years and next March she’ll be back in Australia for another tour.

A name you may be less familiar with is Arthur Russell but the late American producer and avant-garde musician’s contribution to music continues to resonate with a new multi-star tribute album as the latest collection from the Red Hot Organisation supporting HIV and AIDS awareness since 1990. Among the album’s contributing musicians are Swedish stars, Robyn and José González.

The new AC/DC album (‘Rock Or Bust’) is out next week and in spite of some not-so-positive stories about certain band members in the media recently, the rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut lumbers forward with its usual unrelenting conviction.

There’s more Aussie music in this edition with a new single from the John Butler Trio ahead of their return from touring in North America for appearances at the Falls and Southbound Festivals in December and January. As well, you’ll hear from Sydney’s Bertie Blackman, who describes her new LP, ‘The Dash’ as being her “Pop record”.

American Folk/Blues musician, Eric Bibb also has a new LP (‘Blues People’) dedicated to those Blues people who have embraced the music all around the globe. Meanwhile another American performer looking to bring an international accent to her music is Soul singer, Mary J. Blige. The album is released next week but critics are already suggesting it may be some of the best music of her career.

On the JR Radar this week, we found that legendary Italian producer and musician, Giorgio Moroder will next year release his first new album in 3 decades. With the unbelievably optimistic title of ’74 Is The New 24’, the new record comes in the wake of a renewed interest in Moroder’s music following his recent exposure on Daft Punk’s 2013 album, ‘Random Access Memories’.

“But you knew that we would meet again, If your mem’ry serves you well…”

“This Wheel’s On Fire” – Bob Dylan [1967]

After almost half a century it’s doubtful that even those who were there could remember each moment of the history they were conjuring in that famous basement. In 1967, that basement was the refuge for a 26 year-old Bob Dylan in the upstate New York house he dubbed ‘Big Pink’. The residence was occupied by members of his touring band - soon to become known more definitively as, The Band. This week on JR, we dig into the latest edition in Dylan’s ‘Bootleg Series’ (Vol. 11): ‘The Basement Tapes: Raw’.

And there’s more Dylan this week, (albeit in a roundabout way) with the alternative project, ‘Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes’. Various musicians, including Elvis Costello and Marcus Mumford have collaborated with producer, T-Bone Burnett to construct a new batch of songs from unused lyrics from Dylan’s Basement Tapes era, circa 1967.

Another icon getting his props this week is Paul McCartney. A special tribute album called ‘The Art Of McCartney’ collects performances of the great man’s songs by a who’s who of music including the aforementioned Mr. Dylan, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Alice Cooper, Brian Wilson and Dr. John, among them.

There’s also some great Aussie music this week with some vintage Cold Chisel, tearing it up onstage for their latest collection, ‘Live Tapes Vol.2’ and new music from Paul Kelly (and friends) ahead of his next national tour scheduled for early next year.

You’ll also hear from acclaimed Indigenous band, East Journey paying tribute to their native Arnhem Land in Australia’s top end – and some fresh Reggae rhythms from Urban Roots music collective, Blue King Brown in the wake of their recent sojourn to Kingston, Jamaica.

There’s also a reissue of the solo debut (‘First Mind’) from emerging English singer/songwriter, Nick Mulvey along with a pleasant surprise from the Comeback Trail, with a new release from Shirley Bassey. After six decades in show business, that formidable voice is clearly undiminished, as Ms. Bassey revives a song by our favourite Italian Jazzbo, Mario Biondi.

Neil Young has always been passionate. It’s been all of 7 months since his last album, “A Letter Home’, recorded with Jack White on a 1947 Audio-O-Graph - the audio equivalent of a fairground photo booth. For his just released ’Storytone’ LP, Neil’s stepped out of the scratchy old audio booth to play with the backing of a full orchestra. His passion for the environment has been expressed in song and in affirmative action. On ‘Storytone’, Mother Nature is still on the run in the 21st century in songs like “Plastic Flowers” and “Who’s Gonna Stand Up”. He also sings about relationships, ageing and love. In a just a few days from now, Shakey turns 69. Long may he run.

Taking a final bow before closing up shop for good are Prog-Rock legends, Pink Floyd. Their swan song comes with ‘The Endless River’ a nod to their now departed keyboards player, Rick Wright, who died in 2008. Weaving new music from unused pieces of the band’s last sessions with Wright, the surviving members, David Gilmour and Nick Mason have made a mostly instrumental suite, which, at times, recall earlier periods in Floyd's glorious history. Meanwhile, another reflective look back comes with ‘Nostalgia’ the aptly-titled new collection from Annie Lennox. The former Eurythmics singer has turned her still formidable voice to a selection of Great American Songbook classics from George Gershwin to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.

Simple Minds, on the other hand, are still forging ahead. Since reinvigorating the band at the start of this century, founding members Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill have been consistently producing new music in Simple Minds' distinctively rousing style. Their 16th album is quite literal in its title, ‘Big Music’. After all, it’s what they do. There’s more Rock music this week from Melbourne’s British India. Their single, “Wrong Direction” previews the band’s yet-to-be-titled new album due in early 2015. Meanwhile, fellow Melburnian Vance Joy is capping off a hugely successful year with his new single, “First Time".

Further on up the road in Sydney, Dance music duo, Flight Facilities have released a debut album comprising some of their most recent singles. Among the record’s many guest vocalists are Kylie Minogue, Emma Louise and American comedian, Reggie Watts. Flight Facilities are now touring nationally before departing next month for gigs in Europe and the USA. As well, we have beats from another part of the world from the Los Angeles-based septet, Mariachi El Bronx. For their third LP (‘III’), the band adds elements of Electronica to their otherwise distinctive Mariachi/Punk fusion.

The city of Melbourne is finally given its props as a music city on a new compilation record out this week. ‘(When The Sun Sets Over) Carlton’ curates an audio time capsule of Melbourne’s inner city Rock scene in the 1970s. Featuring bands like The Sports, Daddy Cool, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band and Skyhooks, the album is as entertaining as it is an historical document.

Along with Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Buddy Holly - Jerry Lee Lewis laid the foundation stones of a cultural phenomenon. Fast forward to 2014 and nothing much has changed. At age 79, Jerry Lee Lewis has a new album. It’s a Rock ’n’ Roll record, made with some of his many admirers including, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Neil Young. On JR this week, as we light a candle at the altar of Rock ’n’ Roll, you’ll hear the latest from man they call “The Killer”.

Among other notable returns this week is the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin, asserting her historic stature with an album of songs rendered famous by the other great divas including Adele, Chaka Khan and Etta James.

Yusuf (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens), is another returnee with a new record this week, that splits his autobiographical confessionals with versions of songs by Procol Harum, Edgar Winter and Blues legend, Jimmy Reed.

Australian artists are also returning. Among them are The Church, with their 21st album (‘Further/Deeper’) and Rob Hirst (of Midnight Oil & The Backsliders fame) with an independently released solo album debut.

Balancing the books in this edition are a handful of comparative newcomers including Sydney band, Castlecomer with a hot new single, along with the return of young Western Australian band, San Cisco and a 2nd long player from Sydney singer/songwriter, Lanie Lane.

When it comes to music, Dave Grohl is one of its greatest advocates. His passion extends beyond his on-stage achievements to making films on the subject. Last year’s movie-length documentary, a tribute to the historic Sound City recording studio in Los Angeles will now be followed by an 8 episode series for HBO, dedicated to some of the most famous music cities in the USA. And to accompany the project, Grohl has a new Foo Fighters album featuring songs recorded in each of those cities. On JR this week, we preview the song they recorded in Chicago (“Something From Nothing”) featuring a 'special guest' from that city - Cheap Trick guitarist, Rick Nielsen.

Also this week, we welcome Elbow back to Australia. The band, from Manchester, England are making a very short tour of the eastern seaboard with shows in Melbourne and Brisbane following a couple of weekend shows at the Sydney Opera House. Ahead of the tour, we have a new single from their most recent LP, ’The Takeoff and Landing Of Everything’.

Three years on from Queensland’s Emma Louise releasing her debut single, “Jungle” (known to many as the theme of the ABC-TV series, ’The Slap’), the song is taking on a new life as a club hit in cities throughout Europe. It’s all thanks to a remix by American producer MK of a previous remix by German producer, Wankelmut. Confused? Join us for JR this week and all will be explained.

Also this week, you’ll hear from the just released debut albums two emerging artists from opposite sides of the world. Both of them have ‘singular’ names. One is BANKS, (aka Jillian Rose Banks) a young woman from California’s world of electronic Pop whose debut (‘Goddess’) is beginning to make its subtle impact around the globe. The other is Hozier (aka Andrew Hozier-Byrne) a young Irish singer/songwriter whose soulful self-titled debut brings together the songs from his first two EP’s.

Australian Actor, Guy Pearce has a brilliant track record for his onscreen work in movies like, ‘Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert’ and ‘Memento’ but the acclaimed thespian has decided it’s time to more fully embrace his musical predilection with a debut record he’s been quietly leading up to for the past 30 years. Whilst he’s been confident in showing his professionalism to great acclaim on camera, Guy is revealing another outlet for his creative expression.

The 3rd long player from Melbourne Urban Roots music band, Blue King Brown is now imminent but prior to that comes the new single, “All Nations”, a clarion call to people power in these internationally troubled times. The band will be back on the road in December and January, appearing in an Australian capital near you. And on the subject of infectiously funky rhythms, Tony Allen the veteran drummer with Fela Kuti’s highly influential band is back with his 5th solo album (‘Film Of Life’). Afrobeat is in the house.

With music genres tossed around like confetti this week, you won’t be surprised to hear some great Country music as well. Staunch advocate of authentic Country that he is, Marty Stuart (and his band The Fabulous Superlatives) return with a double album of songs about sinnin’ ‘n redemption, aptly titled, ‘Saturday Night/Sunday Morning’. And also getting a fresh Country makeover this week is a genuine mid-‘70s classic: The Doobie Brothers are back, reviving their song “Black Water” with the help of Atlanta, Georgia’s Country/Folk heroes, the Zac Brown Band.

Due out next month, David Bowie’s new album, ‘Nothing Has Changed’ is a compilation drawn from his 50-year career. Its arrival was trumpeted with great fanfare via this week’s preview of a new Bowie song, with the artist now stretching into Big Band Jazz. The Rock auteur may be fewer in number these days but with “Sue (or In A Season Of Crime”), Bowie is taking his vocal cues from the most inscrutable of them all, this time channeling his inner Scott Walker.

On the Comeback Trail this week (if only for a short while) are Prog Rock pioneers, Pink Floyd. The legendary band’s surviving members, David Gilmour and Nick Mason, are describing their album, ‘The Endless River’ as both a tribute to Floyd keyboardist, Rick Wright - and a final bow for one of the most revered groups in Rock history. The music on the album was large

Coming from the opposite end of Pink Floyd’s career arc is emerging Aussie band, The Delta Riggs. With their second album, the Riggs can be heard stretching beyond the bounds of their earlier work into more sonically experimental territory. And it suits them. If the record’s ambiguous title of ‘Dipz Zebazios', seems more like the name of a new Flaming Lips album, that’s a good thing. This is the sound of a hungry young band reaching for their next level of creative expansion.

Settling even more comfortably into the style they’ve been shaping over the last 15 years is Kiwi Funk/Reggae fusion band, Fat Freddy’s Drop. Their 4th studio album is arriving early in the new year, ahead of a planned world tour, with the Drop returning to Australia in January. Ahead of all that is the new single, “Slings And Arrows”, marking a return to the band’s true Reggae roots.

There’s more new Aussie music in this edition with the long-awaited return of Melbourne bands Augie March and Husky. Meanwhile, Brisbane chanteuse, Katie Noonan returns with a new project involving some of the nation’s emerging and most acclaimed female voices, including Renee Geyer and Deborah Conway.

As well, you’ll hear from CW Stoneking with his fresh take on the sound of vintage Blues and the album debut by rapidly rising Indigenous musician, Radical Son. And if you’re not yet familiar with Americana music duo, The Grahams, we have your entree right here. Alyssa and Doug Graham are currently touring Australia and in this week’s JR you’ll hear from their debut album, ‘Riverman’s Daughter’.

Earlier this year, there were rumours that it was all over for AC/DC. But the scallywags who were spreading those rumours seriously underestimated the band’s resilience. Bouncing back from major adversity is nothing new to AC/DC. Likewise, they can still turn the mundane into majesty. Simple lyrics become anthems. Malcolm Young may have been forced to retire from the band through illness but AC/DC remains an unstoppable force. This week on JR we welcome them back - and give thanks to Malcolm for his decades in charge of the AC/DC engine room.

Come to think of it, there’s been some unusually heavy traffic on the Comeback Trail this week. Like AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac are also back in the game, with Christine McVie cancelling her retirement to rejoin the festivities. And Stevie Nicks is stretching back into her solo career with the release of ’24 Karat Gold: Songs From The Vault”. If that title implies another ‘Greatest Hits’ collection, you’d be wrong. Instead, it gathers songs that Stevie’s been tinkering with for decades before finally getting around to recording.

Aussie Hip-Hop heroes, Hilltop Hoods are back with a new single from their ‘Walking Under Stars’ album. Their song, “Cosby Sweater” also provides a name for their current national tour - coming to a town near you.

Another celebrated returnee this week is Jackson Browne. Just 6 months ago, his song writing talents were honoured in the all-star tribute album ‘Looking Into You’. Meanwhile, Jackson’s 14th album, ‘Standing In The Breach’ proves his knack for expressing deep concerns in just a couple of lines is undiminished.

The award for longest absence, however, goes to Irish singer/songwriter, Damien Rice whose debut album, ‘O’ was so warmly welcomed back in 2002. Eight years after his 2nd album, we finally have a 3rd in, ‘My Favourite Faded Fantasy’.

Sneaking through the side door this week is Pink, (almost) hiding under the collective name of You + Me, which she shares with City & Colour frontman, Dallas Green. On our preview from the duo’s debut album, ‘Rose Avenue’, Pink shines as a vocalist beyond her usual Pop star persona.

In contrast, The Delines may be an unfamiliar name to most but with members of such American Indie bands as Richmond Fontaine and The Decemberists onboard, you’re assured of some deep storytelling and players of great pedigree. And with pedigree in mind, the guitar player’s guitarist of choice, Bill Frisell is also back. His album, ‘Guitar In The Space Age’ is a personal homage to the music that both ruled and inspired in that era before The Beatles. His instrumental meditations on Surf music classics like ‘Pipeline’ are perfect for enjoying through headphones. Hope you remembered to bring them along.

When Aretha sings, people listen. With “Respect” back in ’67, Aretha cemented her supremacy as the reigning Queen of Soul. Among the many highs in her career was the performance at the 2009 inauguration of President Obama. Another occurred just a few nights ago when she was given a standing ovation after performing Adele’s emotional tour-de-force, “Rolling In The Deep”. The song also previews Aretha’s new album, arriving later this month. On Just Released, we welcome back the Queen of Soul.

We recently heard that Duran Duran was back in the studio but their New Romantic-era contemporaries, Spandau Ballet were first out of the gate with their new song, “This Is The Love”. The band’s unmistakable sound has mellowed with age but not greatly. Spandau Ballet will visit Australia next month on a promo tour to promote their new ‘Best Of’ collection.

There’s more soulful music in JR this week, with a new EP on the way from Sydney’s Ms. Murphy (aka Karen Andrews). Since the release of her debut EP,(‘White Dress And The Spirit’) back in January, we’ve been waiting for a debut album. In the meantime, there's a new EP called ‘Stride’ and you’ll hear a preview of it in this edition. As well, there’s a touch of Blue-Eyed Soul from Bryan Ferry. His recent projects have seen him dabbling in the music of the celebrated ‘20s and ‘30s 'Jazz Age', but his new album is a return to more familiar territory. Even the album’s title of ‘Avonmore’ implies that it might share a common border with ‘Avalon’ - and our preview displays more than a few insinuations of Ferry’s music from that period.

And though she may have been born long after Ferry’s years with Roxy Music (and most of his solo career as well), Lorde’s music emanates from that same artistic innovation which defies the present as much as the past. After the reverberation of her hit, “Royals”, Lorde’s new song is about to feature in the soundtrack of the latest Hunger Games movie.

Australian Folk duo, Busby Marou are about to embark on (another) national tour during this month and next - and they have a new single, now added to their album, ‘Farewell Fitzroy’. Touring the nation right now, is New Orleans’ septet, Tuba Skinny. With surprising authenticity, Tuba Skinny recall the Jug bands and early Jazz combos which blossomed in the Crescent city a century ago, before Louis Armstrong got his embouchure. Their album ‘Pyramid Strut’ was recorded during a Tasmanian sojourn on the band’s previous Aussie tour.

And there’s more Folk Roots, with a new single from the soon-to-be touring sassy Sydney quartet, All Our Exes Live In Texas, the warm intimacy of Adam Cohen’s lyrics on his just released album, ‘We Go Home' and the latest from American Heartland troubadour John Mellencamp. His new album, “Plain Spoken’ is an honest and aptly-titled return to form.

Sounding grittier than all of them put together is Lucinda Williams. A true maverick of American Roots music, Lucinda celebrates her artistic independence with a sprawling double album for her first release on her own record label. The album is littered with mood enhancing cameos from fellow travellers including Tony Joe White, Bill Frisell and Ian McLagan and ends with a heartfelt tribute to the late JJ Cale.

On JR this week you’ll hear voices of age and experience - of youth and exuberance - and a touch of genius and poetry for good measure. The Australian story of the week is the release of Megan Washington’s long-awaited 2nd album, ‘There There’. Recorded in London, ‘There There’ is Washington's first album in 4 years and the first to be issued under her full name. Described as a ‘break-up album’, its songs are candid confessionals, sung with great honesty. A lot has happened in Megan Washington’s life since she “arrived” in a whirlwind of ARIA Awards four years ago. The songs she's composed for this new album are just one way of processing it all.

Merely days after celebrating his 80th birthday, Leonard Cohen has released his latest studio album, ‘Popular Problems’. He’s already working on his next one (tipped to be called ‘Unpopular Solutions’) and talking-up his next concert tour. There are nine new songs on ‘Popular Problems’, each of them onion-layered with Len’s musings of stark reality, naked truth, martini-dry humour and Zen whimsy. And then, there’s that voice.

The first Tony Bennett album was released 62 years ago and this week saw the release of his umpteenth since then, ‘Cheek To Cheek’, made in collaboration with Pop chanteuse, Lady Gaga. With such a meeting of minds the album was bound to attract some mixed reviews - and it has. On this week’s JR you can hear the music above the noise and make up your own mind.

Back in the local arena, we have a new single from Aussie Rock singer, Dan Sultan and the much anticipated debut album (‘Blue Planet Eyes’) from Sydney band, The Preatures.

Stevie Nicks returns next month with a new collection of what she calls 'songs from the vault'. Among the artefacts is “The Dealer”, a song which dates back to 1979. It didn’t make it onto that year’s ‘Tusk’ album with Fleetwood Mac, nor subsequent solo albums, ‘Bella Donna’ (1981) or ‘Rock A Little’ (1985). After bouncing around for 35 years as an unfinished demo, Stevie Nicks has finally recorded a definitive version, which we preview this week.

With her new solo release, 'When We Were Young’, Australia’s Cat Canteri steps out from her other role behind the drum kit with Roots music band, The Stillsons to carve her own creative niche, while Soul singer, Emma Donovan is set to return in November with her new album (‘Dawn’) recorded with Melbourne band, The PutBacks.

And ahead of their 4th Australian tour, underway early next month, you’ll hear from New Orleans indie band, Tuba Skinny. The band plays an upbeat hybrid of trad Jazz, early Blues and Ragtime – and we’ll have more from their album, ‘Pyramid Strut’ next week.

The biggest news in Australian music this week is the return of Missy Higgins. And the boldness of that return is evident in the songs on her new album, ‘Oz’ - Missy’s own interpretations of some of her favourite Aussie songs. The titles themselves are not the most obvious of choices but in that intimate Missy Higgins style, even the more familiar ones sound almost totally new. Missy Higgins has just kicked off a comprehensive national tour, soon to be in a town near you - and there’s more from ‘Oz’ in this week’s JR.

In celebrating the latest albums by Blues guitar legend, Johnny Winter and the songwriter’s songwriter, Jesse Winchester, there’s some sadness in knowing they are, essentially, the last. Both of these acclaimed musicians have left us in the last few months and this week on JR we have the final albums from each. Though vastly different in style, both are essentially a celebration of life. In Johnny Winter’s case it was playing the vintage Blues that inspired him, while Jesse Winchester insinuates among his original songs, a few treasures from the glory days of Doo-Wop. Both projects have plenty of notable ‘friends’ on hand.

In the wake of Chris Smither’s recent reimagining of songs from his 50 year career (’Still On The Levee’) comes another celebration of his work, this time recorded by his peers. The collection (‘Link Of Chain: A Songwriter’s Tribute To Chris Smither’) includes contributions from contemporaries like Dave Alvin and Loudon Wainwright III along with one of Smither’s most vocal supporters, Bonnie Raitt.

The diversity in Roots music is further explored this week with a soulful new album from Ruthie Foster. Easily her best in recent years, the optimistically titled, ‘Promise Of A Brand New Day’ was produced by the funky know-how of Meshell Ndegeocello. Meanwhile, after an extended leave of absence, Mat McHugh has revived his band The Beautiful Girls for a new record due out next month. We preview the album's Reggae-infused title track, right here.

And with an eye to the dance floor, we also feature the debut EP (’The Crush’) from the emerging Sydney Dance music duo of Nick Drabble and Stuart Turner, aka Set Mo.

The Ramones laid the foundation stones of American Punk. In the ‘70s the band (and in particular, lead singer, Joey Ramone), helped to fire the passion of a young Irish band named U2 and this week, U2 paid their homage to the late Punk legend in song. Always good for a quote, Joey Ramone once confessed, “When I was a kid growing up in the ‘60s, music was an outlet for enlightenment, frustration, rebellion. It was more about individualism. Today it’s just like a big business.” . Well, Joey, it could not have looked bigger than this. In a bold gesture of goodwill (and business savvy), U2 buddied up with Apple Inc. to literally give away digital copies of their latest album, ’Songs Of Innocence’. In this edition of JR, you’ll hear the music above all the hullabaloo.

Another veteran campaigner making a return is Robert Plant. As fans await the next round of remastered Zep reissues, the group’s former frontman continues to resist calls for a reunion in favour of following his own muse. Robert Plant’s 10th studio album (’lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar’), marks a return to that hybrid blend of World Music and Rock he’s been intermittently exploring since cutting “Kashmir” with Led Zeppelin around 40 years ago.

Sean Rowe’s voice is deceptive. It’s a big ol’ world-weary baritone that implies an age far exceeding the 39 years he’s actually spent on the planet. A troubadour in the truest sense, Sean is known for performing his rich Folk/Americana in the lounge rooms of his fans as much as on concert stages. On this week’s JR, you’ll hear songs from his new album, ‘Madman’. As well, we have the latest from English alternative Folk musician, Robyn Hitchcock.

Along with the old guard this week, we’ll introduce you to the new, with a couple of names emerging from Queensland, Australia. Evoking the melancholia of ‘80s indie music (in an entirely good way) is new Brisbane band, Mosman Alder, while from Cairns in the state’s far north, you’ll hear from talented indie singer/songwriter, Leanne Tennant.

More widely known is Missy Higgins whose new album of classic Aussie songs (‘Oz’) is released next week, on the eve of an extensive national tour. Missy Higgins is clearing the decks of her creative commitments (ie. album, book, tour) prior to turning her attention to the birth of her first child early in the new year. On JR this week, you’ll hear her version of an old Divinyls classic from the late ‘80s.

As well, there’s some great new Electro-Pop from New York band, TV On The Radio along with the latest from American singer/songwriter and producer, Ryan Adams.

Vance Joy is not one to rush things. His breakout song, “Riptide” had been kicking around since 2008. Last year, it was a runaway success in many parts of Europe as well as back home in Australia. After what really is a long wait, his debut album, ‘Dream Your Life Away’ has finally been released - but Vance won’t be performing anywhere nearby until early next year. Before then, Vance will be road-testing the new songs on a lengthy tour of Europe. In the meantime, ‘Dream Your Life Away’ gets an airing on this week’s JR.

Also not prone to rushing things is Sydney Electro-Pop band, The Preatures. Emerging last year with their infectious single, “Is This How You Feel?” the band is yet to release its album debut .With just two EPs and a handful of singles behind them, The Preatures have already found their own distinctive sound, as you’ll hear on this week’s preview of their imminent album, ‘Blue Planet Eyes’.

Modern Blues journeyman Joe Bonamassa has released more than a ‘few' Live albums in recent times (including 3 this year) but a new studio record of all original songs is now imminent ahead of Joe’s brief Australian tour later this month. The album’s title song is one of the highlights in this week’s JR. Another is from the first collection of new songs in six years for American Rock band, Counting Crows.

As well, you’ll hear new singles from two of the year’s biggest Pop albums by Coldplay (“True Love”) and Sam Smith (“I’m Not The Only One”) while, on the flip side, we’ll introduce you to a quirky Canadian Pop songstress Billy Petinger, known in her native Vancouver as Billy The Kid.

American Folk/Blues music veteran Chris Smither is celebrating his 50th year in music in 2014 with a fresh album of songs drawn from his past. No mere retrospective, all songs are newly recorded versions of the troubadour’s personal career highlights.

We all know Guy Pearce as a great Aussie actor from his roles in movies like ‘Memento’, ‘L.A. Confidential’ and ‘Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert’. But what about Guy Pearce: Musician? Guy Pearce has been making music since his early days in Aussie TV soap operas back in the mid-‘80s. Apart from his friends and family, no-one has heard it until now. This November, Guy Pearce will release his self-produced album, 'Broken Bones’. Join us for a preview.

And if Bob Dylan’s current Australian tour wasn’t enough, we now hear of another Dylan-related project on the horizon. A collection of Dylan’s unfinished lyrics from 1967 have been given an artistic makeover by producer, T-Bone Burnett with help from Elvis Costello, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons) and others. The album, ‘Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes’ won’t be out until November but you’ll hear a preview from it on this week’s JR.

Nashville singer and songwriter Mary Gauthier literally inhabits her songs. The life experiences they reveal are Gauthier’s own, standing as stark reflections on a painful break-up, told in an honest, unvarnished voice. ’Trouble & Love’ is a cathartic album which Gauthier says was "made with a broken heart”. On the local scene, Kasey Chambers pours herself into the title song of her new solo album, (‘Bittersweet’) in duet with the instantly-recognisable Bernard Fanning. Both of these records share company with other landmark break-up albums like Adele’s ‘21’, John Martyn’s ‘Grace & Danger’ or Bob Dylan’s ‘Blood On The Tracks’ - and are every bit as potent.

For the most part, our focus this week is on fresh Australian music, including a new song from Indigenous music icon, Frank Yamma. Frank sings in his traditional Pitjantjatjara tongue on our preview from his forthcoming album (‘Uncle’). Meanwhile, the renowned Bendigo-based Bluegrass duo, The Davidson Brothers return with their 7th album (‘Wanderlust’) ahead of their invitation to play at the international ‘World Of Bluegrass’ festival in Raleigh, North Carolina in late September.

We also have a powerful collaboration with the pairing of Jimmy Barnes (in full voice), revisiting an Easybeats classic (“Good Times”) in company of international Country star, Keith Urban. As well, you’ll hear the latest from Stephen Cummings. The renowned former frontman for ‘70s bands, The Pelaco Brothers and The Sports has a new solo album (‘Nothing To Be Frightened Of’) and a national tour underway in September.

Revisiting their own past this week are renowned singer/songwriters, Jackson Browne and Richard Thompson. Jackson Browne has a new album (’Standing In The Breach'), arriving in October from which you’ll hear one of his earliest compositions written in 1967 but unrecorded until now. Thompson, on the other hand, is revisiting some of his better known songs in entirely acoustic arrangements which also highlight his exceptional skills as a guitarist.

And topping it all off, you’ll hear Dance and electronic Pop music from New York duo, The Knocks, emerging American EDM star, Porter Robinson and UK indie Rock band, alt-J.

Leonard Cohen has released more books of poetry than albums of music. He’s a Poet, with a lucrative sideline in also being revered as one of the world’s greatest living songwriters. After completing last year’s highly acclaimed world tour, the self-described “lazy bastard living in a suit” celebrates his 80th birthday next month with a new album (‘Popular Problems’). In curious synchronicity, Leonard’s son, Adam Cohen will also celebrate a birthday and release a new album (‘We Go Home’) next month. On JR this week, you’ll hear previews from the father - and the son.

John Murry is an American singer/songwriter who poured a life of painful honesty into his debut album (’The Graceless Age’) last year and received high critical praise. Murry has just completed another quick visit to Australia, playing gigs in Sydney and Melbourne in support of his just released EP. With its title of ‘Califorlornia’, the new EP hints at Murry’s further explorations into the dark side of life.

The emotional polar opposite of ‘Califolornia’ is in our preview of the forthcoming 5th album from Taylor Swift. After establishing her name as a bright new star in Country Pop, Ms. Swift has moved unequivocally into the Pop camp. Her new album (‘1989’) will be released in October and we have the first song from it this week.

And speaking of Pop, Australian singer/songwriter Megan Washington will release her long-awaited second album next month and we also dip into the career retrospective of one of the nation’s most highly regarded songwriters, the great Richard Clapton.

As well, we pump up the volume with New Jersey Rock band, The Gaslight Anthem, Canadian Indie Rock collective The New Pornographers and a playful new album from Blues/Rock slide-guitar veteran, Elvin Bishop.